Grace Ann Winiecki

Grace Ann Winiecki, age 53, who resided in the NHS-Northstar Specialized Services, Evans House in Virginia, Minn ., passed away Friday, January 17, 2014, at St. Michael’s Nursing Home after suffering a stroke. She was born May 23, 1960, in Coulee Dam, Wash ., the daughter of Arthur T. and Rosebud June (Chesley) Winiecki. Grace grew up in Coulee Dam, attended Lake Roosevelt High School, and later moved to Electric City, Wash. She moved to Virginia, Minn ., in 2008. She was employed by the East Range Developmental Achievement Center; working, mostly, in the rug room and wood shop. Grace attended the North Star Church in Virginia, competed in Special Olympics walking, and enjoyed bowling. She was truly a “people-person” making friends wherever she went.

Grace is survived by her siblings: Carol (Gareth) Andrews of Zim, Minn ., and Del (Jane) Winiecki of Rim Rock, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, in the Virginia Bible Chapel. Pastors Mark Mathes, Riverside Chapel, and Terry Sonnentag, North Star Church, officiated.